I used to keep

USAGE SUMMARY

"I used to keep" is a completely valid phrase in written English.
You can use it to refer to actions you used to do regularly but no longer do. For example: "I used to keep a journal every morning, but I just don't have the time anymore."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

He added, "I used to keep everything.

The New Yorker

But it's exactly where I used to keep the phone".

The New York Times

I used to keep every card from every show.

The Guardian

I used to keep a folder of headlines.

The New Yorker

When I got press pictures done, I used to keep my mouth shut.

Independent

I used to keep all my dormitory mates awake from the nightmare.

Independent

But I absolutely can't remember how I used to keep my glasses safe while I slept.

The New York Times

"I used to keep a Mantegna up in the studio just for hope.

The New Yorker

I used to keep dogs, too, and would course rabbits and hares.

Independent

"I used to keep my surfboard in my locker," he said.

The New York Times

I used to keep a pot of Greek basil growing outside my front door.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "I used to keep" to clearly indicate a past habit or practice that is no longer current. This helps avoid ambiguity and ensures clarity in your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "I used to keep" when describing a current habit. Instead, use the present tense to accurately reflect ongoing actions.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "I used to keep" functions as a verb phrase indicating a past habit or a state that was true in the past but is no longer the case. It describes actions or conditions that were maintained regularly or continuously for a period of time. Ludwig offers examples to demonstrate its use in context.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

63%

Formal & Business

15%

Science

12%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "I used to keep" is a common and grammatically correct way to describe past habits or states that are no longer true. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is widely used and easily understood. It appears most frequently in news and media contexts, but also sees use in more formal business and scientific writing. To ensure clarity, it's important to use this phrase specifically for past habits and avoid confusing it with current practices. By understanding its function and purpose, writers can effectively convey changes in their experiences and practices over time.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

I would regularly keep

Uses "regularly" to emphasize the frequency of the past action.

I had a habit of keeping

Highlights the repetitive nature of the past action.

It was my practice to keep

Emphasizes the regularity and intentionality of the past action.

I formerly kept

Uses "formerly" to emphasize a more distant past or a more formal tone.

I did keep in the past

Emphasizes that the action happened in the past but does not happen anymore

I had always kept

Uses "always" to indicate that the action was happening for a long time, until the present moment

I previously maintained

Replaces "keep" with "maintained", suggesting a more structured or organized effort.

I at one time kept

Indicates that the action happened in the past, maybe only one time

I once stored

Focuses specifically on the act of storing something in the past.

I am no longer keeping

Focuses on the cessation of the action rather than the past habit itself.

FAQs

How can I use "I used to keep" in a sentence?

Use "I used to keep" to describe a past habit or regular action that you no longer do. For example, "I used to keep a diary when I was younger, but I don't have time for it anymore."

What's the difference between "I used to keep" and "I kept"?

"I used to keep" implies a repeated action or habit in the past, while "I kept" simply indicates that you held or maintained something at some point in the past. For example, "I used to keep my keys on the table" suggests a regular habit, whereas "I kept the letter" simply means you retained possession of it.

What can I say instead of "I used to keep"?

Alternatives include "I formerly kept", "I previously maintained", or "I had a habit of keeping", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "I use to keep" grammatically correct?

No, "I use to keep" is grammatically incorrect. The correct form is "I used to keep", with the 'd' indicating past tense.